On Yer Bike: Cycling for Beginners

Cycling reduces heart disease, stroke and diabetes risk, explained the Australian Government’s Health Insite website. It can also aid weight loss and boosts your mood. One of the major benefits of cycling is that a 30-minute cycle counts towards the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensive weekly exercise. That makes it a great inclusion in your fitness program or as added extra on the weekend. It can be enjoyed with the family or a partner and is a fun way to fit more fitness into your week. Here’s how to start:

• Any old working bike will do, like an old shopping bike. If you have a second-hand bike, consider getting it serviced at the local bike shop. And a disability need not rule you out as there are specific bikes for people with disabilities.
• Practise in a traffic-free zone. Get comfortable riding single-handedly and looking over your shoulder.
• Know the road rules for bikes.
• An easy way to cycle daily is to build it into your routine ride to work if you can or accompany your children on their bikes to school. If your work requires you to drive then you could use your bike to ride down to the corner shops or for other short trips.
• Instead of driving, explore the local surrounds by bike with friends and family.
• Sign up for a recreational bike ride or charity bike ride. It’s fun and keeps you motivated.

Source: http://healthinsite.gov.au/article/cycling-beginners